She Is The Patron Saint Of France
According to the Roman Catholic Church, Joan is a virgin saint. Since the end of the siege, Joan has been revered in Orléans as a holy icon, and until the 1800s, the city recited a yearly panegyric in her honor. Félix Dupanloup, the Bishop of Orléans, made a panegyric that garnered attention worldwide in 1849, and he petitioned Rome to start the beatification process in 1869. Pope Pius X beatified her in 1909, and Pope Benedict XV canonized her on May 16, 1920. The anniversary of her execution, May 30, is her feast day. Joan was named a minor patron saint of France by Pope Pius XI in an apostolic letter he issued on March 2, 1922.
Today, Joan of Arc is recognized for more than only her significance in French history. In fact, she serves as a source of inspiration for both Catholics and non-Catholics. As a result of her valiant deeds and willingness to give up her life so that France could be free from its English-Burgundian overlords, the French people regarded Joan in high regard. The peasant girl who rose to prominence as a military commander, a martyr, and eventually a saint is still revered as a symbol of faith and independence in France and other countries today.
